Anne Lamott

Bird by Bird. This is a book for writers, but it also a book for those lovers of life. I was lost in it, loving her humorous and honest way of revealing what she has learned in her life and about writing. No writer should miss it. SC

From Publishers Weekly
Lamott’s ( Operating Instructions ) miscellany of guidance and reflection should appeal to writers struggling with demons large and slight. Among the pearls she offers is to start small, as their father once advised her 10-year-old brother, who was agonizing over a book report on birds: “Just take it bird by bird.” Lamott’s suggestion on the craft of fiction is down-to-earth: worry about the characters, not the plot. But she’s even better on psychological questions. She has learned that writing is more rewarding than publication, but that even writing’s rewards may not lead to contentment. As a former “Leona Helmsley of jealousy,” she’s come to will herself past pettiness and to fight writer’s block by living “as if I am dying.” She counsels writers to form support groups and wisely observes that, even if your audience is small, “to have written your version is an honorable thing.”
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Further Thoughts – Plan B. I can only sigh and wish I wrote as eloquently and honestly and wittily as Anne seems to be able to do every time out. If you lack faith, any kind of faith, read this book. SC